Abstract: A method and system for printing image documents using a variety of toners where some toners using a multi-development station having two or more development stations. These toners are co-printed prior to fixing, on the receiver by the multi-development station.

Abstract: A method for compensation of banding in a marking platform includes: initiating a signature learning mode; establishing a timing reference after marking modules have achieved constant velocity; marking a test pattern over multiple intervals of a lowest fundamental frequency among marking modules; obtaining image data for the test pattern from a sensor; and processing the image data in relation to the timing reference to form banding profiles for multiple banding sources. Alternatively, the method may include: initiating a cycle up stage in a phase learning mode; establishing a timing reference after marking modules have achieved constant velocity; marking a test pattern over multiple intervals of a lowest fundamental frequency among marking modules; obtaining banding image data for the test pattern from a sensor; and processing the image data with banding signatures in relation to the timing reference to form phase estimates for each banding signature. Additional embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A printing apparatus to print an image on a sheet is provided. The printing apparatus includes a photosensitive member, a contiguous member arranged to contact the photosensitive member, and a protection sheet configured to protect the photosensitive member from the contiguous member. The protection sheet is arranged in an intervening position between the photosensitive member and the contiguous member but configured to be removed from the intervening position by a user before using the printing apparatus. The protection sheet interferes with at least one of the user's behavior conducted on the printing apparatus in order to use the printing apparatus and a detecting behavior of a sensor which is arranged in the printing apparatus to detect a condition of the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A host apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a diagnosis method for the image forming apparatus, the diagnosis method including: storing a printing image generated from print data according to a printing command; and generating a diagnosis image for the printing image based on the stored printing image and a defect image corresponding to a predetermined defect of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated determination of expiration of an image production device that is currently in use by a customer is disclosed. The method may include retrieving values related to a currently used image production device, determining an existing life value based on the retrieved values, retrieving values related to a replacement image production device, determining a replacement value based on the retrieved values comparing the determined existing life value to the determined replacement value, determining whether the currently used image production device should be replaced based on the comparison, and sending a notification that the currently used image production device should be replaced if it is determined that the currently used image production device should be replaced.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus 10 includes a cover member 25, a cover open/closed detection sensor 29, a driven unit 38, a drive detection sensor 35, and an attitude determination unit 60. The cover open/closed detection sensor 29 outputs a closed signal corresponding to an open attitude and an open signal corresponding to an open attitude. The drive detection sensor 35 outputs a state signal corresponding to the drive state of the driven unit. The attitude determination unit 60 determines whether the cover member is in an open attitude or is in a closed attitude based on a closed signal and a state signal input after the open signal.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus, first printing data used for the first printing apparatus to perform a print is associated with second printing data generated from the same print job as the first printing data. A printing apparatus detects an operating state of the apparatus. The printing apparatus, when the detected operating state shows generation of an error and the error is not removed, in a case where it is determined that a job inputted into a printing system and associated is not completed, displays information in regard to a removal method of the error on an I/F. In addition, the printing apparatus notifies the printing apparatus of generation information of the error. The printing apparatus displays the information showing that the error is generated on an I/F.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reading unit reading an original document and generating image data; a power source unit supplying power to the reading unit; a power source switching signal output unit outputting a switching signal for switching between supply and shut-off of the power for any one of an image pickup element and an image processing unit; a measuring unit measuring a power stopping time while the power is shut off; a judging unit determining whether to carry out only a first initial setting when the measured power stopping time is less than a predetermined time and whether to carry out both the first initial setting and a second initial setting when the measured power stopping time is the predetermined time or more; and an initial setting unit carrying out only the first initial setting or the second initial setting also upon the determination by the judging unit.

Abstract: A cooling device for an image forming apparatus includes a heat receiver disposed to contact a heated member; a heat releaser to release heat; a coolant circulation passage connecting the heat receiver and the heat releaser in which a coolant circulates between the heat receiver and the heat releaser; a pump configured to convey and circulate the coolant in the coolant circulation passage; a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of a part of the heated portion of the heated member at which a temperature rises; a cooling fan, included in the heat releaser, configured to change a thermal capacity released from the heat releaser based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; and a controller to determine presence or absence of a leakage of the liquid or a pump failure by monitoring a control performed by the cooling fan and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system and method have been developed that enable a printer user to exhaust completely the useful life of a customer replaceable unit. The system and method also ensure that a user of the printer knows how to remove a persistent reorder message.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for controlling power supply is provided. An image forming apparatus includes at least one cover unit to be mounted in the image forming apparatus, at least one replaceable unit to participate in an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, a sensing unit to sense whether the at least one cover unit is opened or closed, and a main board unit to cut off the power supply to the at least one replaceable unit for a predetermined period of time when the at least one cover unit is opened or closed. Accordingly, stable operation is enabled.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining the cause of artifacts in images produced by an electrophotographic (EP) printer. A reference image is printed and artifacts in it are detected. After printing normal images, a test image is printed and artifacts in it are detected. If a detected artifact in the test image does not correspond to a detected artifact in the reference image, a characteristic frequency spectrum of the artifact in the test image is determined. Run-out on rotatable imaging components is measured, and a characteristic frequency spectrum of each is determined. The test image spectrum is compared to each component spectrum to identify which component is causing the artifact.

Abstract: A management apparatus capable of setting a suitable schedule for transmitting operation information to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, in which a management load and an operation status of a user are fully considered, identifies a plurality of image forming apparatuses which include overlapping department ID and manages the plurality of identified image forming apparatuses in a group when the plurality of identified image forming apparatuses is less than a predetermined maximum value. The management apparatus determines a transmission schedule for each of a plurality of the managed groups so that department counter information is transmitted from the image forming apparatuses belonging to each group at intervals of at least a first time period.

Abstract: A correction value determination unit determines a light quantity correction value for each main scanning position of each original based on a reading value obtained by an image reading unit reading a reference member. An anomaly detection unit detects, based on the light quantity correction value with respect to the preceding original and the light quantity correction value with respect to the succeeding original, an anomaly in the correction value, and specifies a main scanning position at which the anomaly occurs. A modification unit modifies a reading value at the main scanning position at which the anomaly occurs, out of reading values obtained from the reference member with respect to the succeeding original, or a correction value for the main scanning position at which the anomaly occurs, out of light quantity correction values with respect to the succeeding original.

Abstract: A sensor device includes: a member that has an aperture facing a target measuring position through which a target to be measured passes; a sensor that is provided in an opposing relation to the target measuring position, and that measures a physical quantity of the target at a sensor surface facing the aperture; and a moving member that reciprocates a movement in a predetermined direction, and includes: a cleaning unit that cleans the sensor surface by contacting the sensor surface while the moving member moves to at least one of an outward movement and a return reciprocal movement; an applying portion that applies to the moving member a force in one direction of the reciprocation movement; and a manipulation portion that is moved by an operator against the force applied by the applying portion in an direction opposite to that of a direction of the force.

Abstract: A host apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a diagnosis method for the image forming apparatus, the diagnosis method including: storing a printing image generated from print data according to a printing command; and generating a diagnosis image for the printing image based on the stored printing image and a defect image corresponding to a predetermined defect of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A processor is provided, the processor including: an obtaining unit that obtains abnormality information related to an abnormality from an image forming device in which the abnormality occurs; an abnormality information storing unit that stores the abnormality information obtained by the obtaining unit as history information; a failure position information storing unit that stores failure position information for each phenomenon related to the abnormality; an extracting unit that extracts the failure position information corresponding to the latest abnormality information and abnormality information similar to the latest abnormality information among the abnormality information stored in the abnormality information storing unit from the failure position information storing unit; and an output unit that outputs an extracted result extracted by the extracting unit as specific deciding information of a cause related to the occurring abnormality.

Abstract: A printing device configured to print a diagnostic plot, the diagnostic plot including a cockle pattern, a main media advance pattern, and a secondary media advance pattern, wherein the cockle pattern, main media advance pattern, and secondary media advance pattern are for providing feedback and for adjusting printing characteristics associated with the printing device. A method of adjusting vacuum levels in a vacuum system of a printing device including generating a diagnostic plot on media; the diagnostic plot including a cockle pattern, a main media advance pattern, and a secondary media advance pattern, and accepting adjustments to printing parameters on the printing device based on printing defects displayed on the diagnostic plot.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing device includes an input unit for inputting a search condition for searching for a desired printing device, a display unit for displaying at least one printing device that satisfies the search condition, a selection unit for selecting a printing device from the at least one printing device displayed by the display unit, and a setting unit for setting the search condition input by the input unit as a printing setting for the printing device selected by the selection unit in accordance with selection of the printing device by the selection unit.

Abstract: An image forming system including an image forming apparatus, which is configured to form an image on a sheet according to an input print job, and a plurality of postprocessing apparatuses, which is configured to execute postprocessing on a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus, includes a supply unit configured to supply the plurality of postprocessing apparatuses with a signal, which instructs a batch power supply to the plurality of postprocessing apparatuses, and a control unit configured, after the plurality of postprocessing apparatuses have been powered on by the supply unit instructing the batch power supply, to discontinue a power supply to a second postprocessing apparatus, which is connected further downstream of a first postprocessing apparatus provided most downstream in a direction of conveying the sheet in the input print job, of the plurality of postprocessing apparatuses.

Abstract: A method for compensation of banding in a marking platform includes: initiating a calibration stage; marking a test pattern over multiple intervals of a lowest fundamental frequency among marking modules; obtaining image data for the test pattern from a sensor; obtaining 1x signals from sensors associated with the marking modules; and processing the image data in relation to the 1x signals to form banding profiles for multiple marking modules. Alternatively, the method may include: processing image data in relation to 1x signals to form banding profiles for multiple marking modules; determining amplitudes in multiple banding profiles exceeds a threshold to identify dominant banding profiles; and processing dominant banding profiles to form dominant banding signatures.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus that can identify contents of work conducted to repair an image forming apparatus with its power supply turned off. A terminal apparatus can communicate with the image forming apparatus. An obtaining unit obtains information related to an error occurred in the image forming apparatus. A display unit displays work required to cancel the error. An input unit causes a user to selectively input contents of work. A control unit stores the contents of work selectively inputted through the input unit in a storage unit when the terminal apparatus stops communicating with the image forming apparatus and transmits the contents of work stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus when the terminal apparatus starts communicating with the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a voltage applying unit for applying a voltage to an electric load; a sub control unit for controlling the voltage applying unit; a restarting unit for restarting the sub control unit in response to receipt of a restart signal; a determining unit for determining whether or not a restart of the sub control unit is an abnormal restart; and a main control unit. The main control unit generates a control start signal for allowing the voltage applying unit to start generation of the voltage, and the restart signal. When the determining unit determines that the restart of the sub control unit is an abnormal restart, the main control unit sends again the control start signal to the sub control unit.

Abstract: According to an instruction by a manager, information about the image forming apparatus to be monitored is set with the management server. A communication test is conducted between the management server and the image forming apparatus. The management server confirms an ID of the image forming apparatus. Subsequently, upon receiving a setting information request from the image forming apparatus, the management server responds with generated UI button information and access-destination information which can be extended by the UI button information to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus detects whether a cover is opened or closed in each of a general power mode and a power saving mode. The image forming apparatus includes a cover opening/closing sensor to detect opening or closing of a cover, a cover opening/closing sensing power-supply input unit to provide or not to provide a voltage different from an operation voltage of the image forming apparatus, to the cover opening/closing sensor according to the opening or closing of the cover, and an interlock switch to connect or not to connect the cover opening/closing sensor to the cover opening/closing sensing power-supply unit according to the opening or closing of the cover.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of both normal printing and special-purpose printing includes a first identification unit, a second identification unit, and a selection unit. The first identification unit identifies a type of print data. The second identification unit identifies a type of print material. The selection unit selects a print resource in accordance with a combination of the type of print data identified by the first identification unit and the type of print material identified by the second identification unit. The selection unit selects the print resource so as to prevent unauthorized printing from being performed when the print data is for special-purpose printing.

Abstract: An area calculating unit calculates an image area of a toner image formed on a sheet recording member. A behavior detecting unit detects behavior of the recording member fed out of a conveying nip formed by a pair of conveying members. A thickness obtaining unit obtains thickness information of the recording member. An index calculating unit calculates an index value indicating windability of the recording member with respect to the conveying members based on the image area, the behavior, and the thickness information.

Abstract: A management device for an image forming apparatus including a status data collection unit where multiple types of status data are received from the image forming apparatus and stored in a status database, a target data creation unit where multiple types of target data are created based upon the multiple types of status data, a first stage determination unit where the multiple types of target data are identified as being above or below reference values set for each type, and a second stage determination unit where a weight value set for each status data type is attached to the determination results of the multiple types of status data of the first stage determination unit and as a whole of the multiple types of status data determined with majority logic for abnormal occurrence prediction.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for estimating a banding profile in an image printing system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining image data across multiple measurement intervals by a sensor; combining the image data with timing information into a coherent signal by a processor; determining aperiodic components of the coherent signal by the processor; determining the periodic component of the coherent signal using spline interpolation, wherein the periodic component represents a banding profile, by the processor; and printing an output print with a correction applied based on the banding profile.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming station for forming an image and a display unit for displaying specified information. A mode changing section switches a mode of the image forming apparatus between a first mode for waiting on standby with a first power consumption and a second mode for waiting on standby with second power consumption lower, than the first power consumption. A determining section determines whether an image can be formed after the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode and a starting section starts the display unit when the determining section determines that no image can be formed. A notifying section generates a display on the display unit of information indicating that no image can be formed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for estimating a banding profile in an image printing system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining image data across multiple measurement intervals by one or more sensors; combining the image data with timing information into a coherent signal by a processor; estimating periodic and aperiodic components of the coherent signal using least squares estimation by the processor, wherein the periodic component represents a banding profile; and wherein at least the periodic component is used to generate an output.

Abstract: A method for printer stability enhancement in a multiple printer printing system includes determining a first printer stress state of a first printer in a printing system, wherein the first printer is assigned a first printing role. A second printer stress state of a second printer in the printing system is also determined, wherein the second printer is assigned a second printing role that is different from the first printing role. The first printer stress state is compared to the second printer stress state, and the first printing role is reassigned to the second printer and the second printing role is reassigned to the first printer if the first printer stress state is different than the second printer stress state. A printing system implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a destination dedicating apparatus including a destination information reading section and a destination information recording section. The destination information reading section is configured to read destination information from a storage area mounted on a consumable good when the consumable good is first mounted into a printing apparatus. The destination information recording section is configured to record the destination information read above into a storage area provided in the printing apparatus to thereby set the printing apparatus to a dedicated machine for the consumable good having the specific destination information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an apparatus main unit control software storage unit configured to store new apparatus main unit control software used to control a main unit of the image processing apparatus on a non-volatile storage device, a combination appropriateness determination unit configured to determine whether a combination of the new apparatus main unit control software and post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on a post-processing apparatus is appropriate based on version information about the post-processing apparatus control software used to control the post-processing apparatus, which is operable in combination with the new apparatus main unit control software, and version information about the post-processing apparatus control software that currently operates on the post-processing apparatus, a determination result storage unit configured to store a result of the determination by the combination appropriateness determination unit, and an activation unit con

Abstract: A first alignment control unit causes a secondary transfer control unit to bring a transfer-sheet conveying belt and an intermediate transfer belt into contact with each other so as to transfer an alignment control pattern formed on the transfer-sheet conveying belt onto the intermediate transfer belt, whereby alignment for colors C and K is performed on the intermediate transfer belt, and furthermore a second alignment control unit causes the secondary transfer control unit to separate the transfer-sheet conveying belt and the intermediate transfer belt from each other so as to perform alignment for colors Y, M, and C, whereby alignment is performed for all the colors.

Abstract: A multi-functional multi-engine print platform engines schedules and processes job in order to minimize visibility of image defects. The print platform includes at least two marking engines that process jobs, a marking engine analyzer that determines image quality defects of the at least two marking engines, and a scheduler that creates a plan to process a job with the at least two marking engines based at least on the image quality defects each of the at least two marking engines in order to minimize visibility of the defects in images reproduced by the at least two marking engine.

Abstract: A first power source unit supplies power to a first control unit accessing a storage unit. An image forming unit controlled by a second control unit is provided with a load for forming an image. A second power source unit supplies power to the load and the storage unit. A switch unit is operated to power on or off an image forming apparatus. The first control unit, upon receiving the status signal instructing power-off, causes the storage unit to shut down and transmits an instruction to cause the load to shut down to the second control unit. The second control unit, if a shutdown instruction is not received even when the status signal instructing power-off has been detected, performs control to stop the load and then stop the supply of power from the second power source unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is able to select a paper-delivery destination for a print output. The image forming apparatus includes a print-process managing unit that divides a print job into print processes and controls a print output; and a sample-print-output controlling unit that controls execution of a sample print output by causing, in response to a sample-print-output request, an interrupt of a duplicate of a predetermined print process of the print job, with the paper-delivery destination being changed, to be handled by the print-process managing unit.

Abstract: A sheet processing device including a safety unit to prevent accidental operation of the sheet processing device. The sheet processing device can include a body to receive a processing unit to process a sheet of paper and a door provided at the body to be opened from or closed to the body. The sheet processing device can further include a sensing unit to sense the presence of the sheet of paper fed into the body, and a safety unit linked with the door, the safety unit being adapted to restrict the sensing unit or release the restricted sensing unit to control operation of the sheet processing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a failure prediction unit, an image identification unit, a simulated-image generating unit, and an output unit. The failure prediction unit prepares an index value indicating a condition of the image forming apparatus based on multidimensional signal, obtained by monitoring the image forming apparatus, and compares the index value with a first threshold value to predict a failure mode of the image forming apparatus. The image identification unit identifies types of abnormal images based on the failure mode predicted by the failure prediction unit. An identified abnormal image is predicted to be appear a given time later. The simulated-image generating unit generates a simulated image of the identified abnormal image. The output unit outputs the identified abnormal image as the simulated image.

Abstract: A method is provided of compensating for periodic non-uniformity in an electrophotographic (EP) printer with a rotatable imaging component, and a runout sensor for measuring the distance between a first reference point and the surface of the first component along a first reference axis. An image signal representing an image to be produced on a receiving member by the printer is received. The component is rotated. While it is rotating, the distance for the component is measured using the runout sensor. A correction value corresponding to the measured distance is automatically determined using a processor. The image data corresponding to the measured distance are automatically adjusted with the correction value using the processor. Toner corresponding to the adjusted image data is deposited on the receiver using the component.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of ensuring security of discharged printouts and preventing noise made by the operation of the image forming apparatus from becoming obtrusive to a user. The post-processing apparatus switches the operation mode of post processing to one of a normal operation mode and a quiet operation mode, and opens and closes a sealing door. Current limiting circuits switch the operation mode to the quiet operation mode before sealing of the door is released by a sealing drive circuit in response to an instruction from the user.

Abstract: A system, a control apparatus, a control method and a computer program are provided which are configured to control a printing output in response to characteristics of a printing apparatus when a plurality of printing apparatuses has different characteristics. A host computer acquires apparatus information including characteristics information indicating the characteristics of a printer and thereby determines a priority order of printers in relation to the print data based on the characteristics information. The host computer then determines a printer to output the print data based on the determined priority order and outputs the print data to the determined printer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including a body housing in which an opening is formed for providing removal/mounting access of a removable cartridge; a door member for selectively closing the opening. The removable cartridge includes a cartridge status chip in which predetermined information relating to the removable cartridge is recorded. The door member of the image forming apparatus and the removable cartridge may each be provided with respective contact terminal or terminals that engage when the door member is closed with the removable cartridge received in the body housing of the image forming apparatus. The controller of the image forming apparatus uses the electrical continuity information of the contact terminal or terminals in order to determine the closure status of the door member and to control the operation of the image forming apparatus accordingly.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit for forming a plurality of images on sheets; a receiving unit for receiving job information including identification information for identifying types of the plurality of images and determination information for determining timing of forming the plurality of images on the sheets, from an external instrument; and a control unit for identifying the types of the plurality of images based on the identification information received by the receiving unit, determining the timing of forming the plurality of images on the sheets based on the determination information received by the receiving unit, and allowing the image forming unit to form the plurality of images based on the identified types of the images and on the determined timing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus embeds second class data that is different from sheet to sheet in first class data that is common throughout a printing operation. First and second unfolding sections unfold the first and second class data to image data. An image carrying body image examination section compares image data unfolded by the second unfolding section and picked up image data unfolded by the first unfolding section and prepared by an image carrying body image pickup section, and an intermediate transfer body image examination section compares image data unfolded by the second unfolding section and picked up image data unfolded by the first unfolding section and prepared by an intermediate transfer body image pickup section.

Abstract: An image processing member that is included in an image forming apparatus employing method of evaluating and determining adhesion forces thereof, includes an optical writing unit configured to optically write an image, and an image processing member configured to process the image formed by the optical writing unit. The image processing member has good cleaning performance, which is determined by a method of determining a distribution of adhesion forces generated between a surface of the image processing member and a particle of a powder used to reproduce the image in the image forming apparatus in which the adhesion forces are measured at multiple points on the surface of the image processing member.

Abstract: A method of managing errors of at least one image forming apparatus, the method involving collecting information regarding the errors disrupting normal operation of the at least one image forming apparatus, analyzing the severity of each of the errors based on the collected information, and outputting a severity analysis result for each of the errors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying devices having a specified utilization are disclosed. A selected minimum utilization and maximum utilization defining a utilization band may be received. Device information for each of a plurality of accounts, including a device model and utilization information for each device associated with an account, may also be received. A utilization may be determined for each device based on the utilization information. For each device model in an account, a number of devices in an account having the device model and a utilization in the utilization band may be determined. A plurality of clusters may be identified for device model-account pairs, and at least one device model-account pair may be assigned to a cluster.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a plurality of power consumption parts that operate by power supply from a power source. The image forming device includes a failure detection part that detects occurrence of an unrecoverable failure, and a main controller that suppresses an amount of power supplied to the plurality of power consumption parts in response to detection by the failure detection part of the occurrence of an unrecoverable failure.